Interview with Screenwriter Carlos Perez (IN HYDING)

Matthew Toffolo: What is your screenplay about?

Carlos Perez: In Hyding is a unique adaptation of the novella, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Instead of Jekyll turning into an evil monster, he turns into what he feels is his real self, a trans woman. He relives himself as the person he was when he was a young man and had a relationship with one of his close male friends in which he would dress as a woman and they would make love to one another.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Drama and romance, and to some extent, horror.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I feel the aspects of Jekyll’s transformation would be more easily conveyed for the screen because the transformation is completely in Jekyll’s mind, and in the screenplay whenever he looks in the mirror as Ms. Hyde, he sees himself as he was when he was a young man, even though those who are around him see him as his real self in make-up, dressed in a wig, and wearing woman’s attire.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Disturbingly Beautiful

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Storm of the Century because it seems to correctly convey, in a rather horrific way, just how inhumane humanity can be and the dangers of mob mentality.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Over two years

7. How many stories have you written?

I have dozens of published short stories and several published stage plays, along with quite a number of produced writer-for-hire screenplays, and two original screenplays that have been produced.

8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

Hotel California by The Eagles

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

The subject matter was one which I knew would have a difficult time finding a producer for, and there is an intense scene in which Jekyll’s father tries to cure young Henry of his homosexuality that was also a difficult sell. But the scene isn’t gratuitous and is necessary to help in defining Henry’s mental state.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Our Civil Rights. I’m a proud member of the ACLU.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?

Excellent. I like their platform because it’s reliable, helpful, and easy to use.

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

The ideas behind it intrigued me and it seemed very open. The feedback has been quite helpful to me, and I truly enjoyed the reading and found it to be very professional.

Watch the Screenplay Reading: 

Dr. Jekyll has perfected a formula that will allow him to be the person he feels he is inside.

CAST LIST:

NARRATION – DIANA FRANZ
Utterson – 1 – GENE ABELA
Father – 18 – SEAN BALLANTYNE
Henry – 18 – THOMAS FOURMIER